ATI Custom Maternal Newborn Related

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Client at 40 weeks gestation, in labor, electronic fetal heart rate monitor tracing

A nurse is observing the electronic fetal heart rate monitor tracing for a client who is at 40 weeks of gestation and is in labor. The nurse should suspect a problem with the umbilical cord when she observes which of the following patterns?

  • A. Accelerations.
  • B. Late decelerations.
  • C. Variable decelerations.
  • D. Early decelerations.
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Variable decelerations indicate fetal hypoxia due to umbilical cord compression, requiring urgent intervention as they suggest the cord is trapped or twisted, impairing fetal oxygen supply.